OPT Api Engineer Jobs
API Engineer jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, making H-1B visa sponsorship a realistic next step. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you time to prove your value and secure long-term status.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Join the Swift AI Frameworks team and create the best APIs for AI models. You’ll collaborate with passionate and creative colleagues to meet ambitious goals in an environment that not only encourages, but requires constant curiosity and growth.
DESCRIPTION
As a member of the Swift AI Frameworks team, you will implement new features in the Foundation Models framework and craft elegant APIs that surprise and delight our developers. You will be responsible for bringing your ideas to life through all stages of their development: from initial research, to API design, to model evaluation, to testing and development in Swift, to documentation and internal dogfooding. You’ll join us in energetic discussions of each other’s work and ideas, alongside collaborators possessing a variety of different perspectives and domain expertises.
You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with experts throughout Apple including: ML researchers, systems engineers, user interface designers, tools engineers, and technical writers. Curious and enterprising individuals who take an expansive view of their role will thrive in this multi-disciplinary environment!
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Interest in machine learning, LLMs and generative AI
- Proficiency with Swift (or the capacity to become proficient quickly)
- The ability to work collaboratively and explain complex ideas clearly
- High standards for quality and attention to detail
- The desire to learn and grow, keeping pace with cutting edge technologies
- Experience with at least one of the following: Framework and API development, LLM tool calling and agentic workflows, Model evaluation, LLM inference algorithms (e.g. constrained decoding, retrieval-augmented generation)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelorʼs Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
- Experience with any of the following is a plus, but not required: LLM serving, On-device ML systems, Multi-modal LLMs, Swift API design patterns, User interface technologies (e.g. SwiftUI, UIKit), Programming language design and implementation, Technical writing and Open-source software projects.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
INTRODUCTION
Join the Swift AI Frameworks team and create the best APIs for AI models. You’ll collaborate with passionate and creative colleagues to meet ambitious goals in an environment that not only encourages, but requires constant curiosity and growth.
DESCRIPTION
As a member of the Swift AI Frameworks team, you will implement new features in the Foundation Models framework and craft elegant APIs that surprise and delight our developers. You will be responsible for bringing your ideas to life through all stages of their development: from initial research, to API design, to model evaluation, to testing and development in Swift, to documentation and internal dogfooding. You’ll join us in energetic discussions of each other’s work and ideas, alongside collaborators possessing a variety of different perspectives and domain expertises.
You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with experts throughout Apple including: ML researchers, systems engineers, user interface designers, tools engineers, and technical writers. Curious and enterprising individuals who take an expansive view of their role will thrive in this multi-disciplinary environment!
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Interest in machine learning, LLMs and generative AI
- Proficiency with Swift (or the capacity to become proficient quickly)
- The ability to work collaboratively and explain complex ideas clearly
- High standards for quality and attention to detail
- The desire to learn and grow, keeping pace with cutting edge technologies
- Experience with at least one of the following: Framework and API development, LLM tool calling and agentic workflows, Model evaluation, LLM inference algorithms (e.g. constrained decoding, retrieval-augmented generation)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelorʼs Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
- Experience with any of the following is a plus, but not required: LLM serving, On-device ML systems, Multi-modal LLMs, Swift API design patterns, User interface technologies (e.g. SwiftUI, UIKit), Programming language design and implementation, Technical writing and Open-source software projects.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Api Engineer
Target companies with active H-1B filing histories
Employers who have sponsored H-1B visas for API engineers before are far more likely to do it again. Prioritize companies with a track record of sponsoring software and backend engineering roles over those with no filing history.
Apply before your OPT start date
Hiring timelines for API roles typically run six to twelve weeks. Starting your search two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you enough runway to negotiate a start date that aligns with your work authorization.
Highlight backend and integration experience clearly
Employers screening OPT candidates want to see specific technical depth. Lead with REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and any API gateway or microservices experience. Vague descriptions of software work won't differentiate you in a competitive applicant pool.
Confirm your degree field qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
API engineering roles typically fall under software engineering or computer science, both STEM-designated fields. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer, so you know whether the 24-month extension is available to you.
Address sponsorship directly in your cover letter
Many employers assume OPT means complicated paperwork. A short, confident sentence stating you're authorized to work on OPT now and eligible for H-1B sponsorship before your authorization expires removes ambiguity and keeps your application moving forward.
Negotiate your start date around OPT approval timing
USCIS recommends applying for OPT 90 days before your program end date, but EAD processing can take two to three months. Build your job search timeline around your expected EAD receipt date, not just your graduation date.
Api Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do API Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. API Engineer positions typically fall under software engineering, computer science, or computer and information science, all of which are STEM-designated fields. Your specific eligibility depends on the CIP code attached to your degree, not your job title. Confirm with your DSO that your program qualifies before you rely on the 24-month extension in your job search planning.
How do I find API Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles open to OPT and visa sponsorship, which removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that won't consider work authorization. For API engineering roles, look for employers in fintech, SaaS, and enterprise software, where backend API development is a core function and H-1B sponsorship is common.
Can I switch API Engineer employers while on OPT without losing my status?
Yes, OPT is not tied to a specific employer the way H-1B status is. You can change jobs as long as your new role is directly related to your field of study and you report the change to your DSO within ten days. On the STEM OPT extension, your new employer must also sign a Form I-983 training plan before you begin work.
What happens to my OPT if my API Engineer job is fully remote?
Remote work is permitted on OPT, but your employer must still be a legitimate U.S.-based company with a real business presence. You cannot work remotely for a foreign employer while on OPT. For the STEM extension, remote employees are still covered under the I-983 requirement, and your employer is responsible for supervising your training plan regardless of work location.
How early should I start applying for API Engineer roles before my OPT authorization begins?
Start applying two to three months before your expected OPT start date. API engineering hiring processes, including technical screens, system design interviews, and offer negotiations, typically take six to twelve weeks. Factoring in EAD processing time of eight to twelve weeks, beginning your search shortly after submitting your OPT application puts you on the most reliable timeline.